Vivaldi Gloria
Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) was an ordained priest as well as a composer. (He was known as "il prete rosso" because of his red hair.) His success in music, however, came outside of the church, and he composed approximately 500 concertos and 45 operas. Today we remember him principally for two works, The Gloria in D and The Four Seasons.
The text of the Gloria, known as hymnus angelicus since it begins with the angelic hymn sung at Christ’s birth ("Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace among those of good will." Luke 2:14) is a hymn of praise addressing itself to each person of the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The setting of the Gloria is in 12 movements, alternating chorus with solos and duets for soprano and alto. The work is scored for chorus, soprano and alto soloists, strings, oboe, trumpet, and continuo. (keyboard.)
Gloria in excelsis Deo. (Chorus)
Glory to God in the Highest.
Et in terra pax hominibus (Chorus)
And on earth peace to all those of goodwill.
Laudamus te (Soprano Duet)
We praise thee.
Gratias agimus tibi. (Chorus)
We give thanks to thee.
Propter magnam gloriam tuam. (Chorus)
According to thy great glory.
Domine dues Rex coelestis. (Soprano solo.)
Heavenly King, God, Father almighty.
Domine Fili unigenite.(Chorus)
Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten son.
Domine Deus, Agnus Dei. (Alto solo, chorus)
Lord God, Lamb of God.
Qui tollis peccata mundi. (Chorus)
Who takest away the sins of the world.
Qui sedes ad dexteram Patris. (Alto solo)
Who sittest on the right hand of the Father.
Quoniam tu solus sanctus. (Chorus)
For Thou alone art holy.
Cum Sancto Spiritu (Chorus)
With the Holy Spirit in the glory of God the Father.